At least five LDPE units, with a combined annual output of 940,000 tons, have resumed or are scheduled to resume operations in July. Additionally, a surge in import arrivals has further bolstered local spot availability.
The conclusion of the Third Plenum meeting without specific economic stimulus guidelines further dampened market confidence in the near-term outlook. The absence of clear policy direction leaves market participants grappling with uncertainty, contributing to the prevailing bearish sentiment.
Shenhua concluded the final auction session of the week on a soft note despite escalated efforts to stimulate buying interest. Chinese bidders remained cautious, prioritizing concerns about the bleak near-term outlook and declining futures trading over the seemingly attractive auction cargo.
Trading sentiment on the Shenhua Auction Platform weakened slightly from the previous session, influenced by the continued decline on the Dalian Commodity Exchange. The coal-based producer's attempt to attract buyers by reducing auction prices by CNY 50/ton fell short of expectations.